“Hopefully, I hope so, here’s hoping…”
People use the term “hope” in many contexts but rarely is it used definitively. The word itself contains an element of doubt.
When I ask my high school students if they are ready for an exam, often they will respond with a phrase that includes hope. However, their voices betray them. Why? They recognize that the outcome of the exam is based almost entirely on their efforts.
When it comes to our Christian faith, though, hope includes a sense of certainty that earthly hope does not. In 1 Peter 1, the author includes the adjective “living” before the word “hope” to acknowledge that our hope is sure - it is alive. At the same time, believers must place their trust in Christ in order for that confidence to come to fruition. When we accept the grace God offers and trust that it is enough, we take hold of the hope he provides.
Peter goes on to describe our inheritance in Christ as something that can “...never perish, spoil or fade.” The apostle recognized that, in every believer’s life, trials will come and doubts will arise that may cause us to wonder if our salvation is actually secure. It is at these times when we must cling to the truth that God does not change. His promises are always true as the author of Hebrews states unequivocally in Hebrews 6:18: God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.
Are you struggling in your faith today? Grab hold of the hope we have been given and hold on tightly. Your hope will not be disappointed.
Oh God, help me in times when I wonder if you can be trusted. Remind me in the hard times that you are especially present and entirely trustworthy.
Throughout the Day: Listen for how often people use the word "hope" with an element of uncertainty so that you can be reminded of God’s faithfulness to you.